than it was

USAGE SUMMARY

"than it was" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a comparison of how something has changed. For example, "The rainfall this year was much heavier than it was last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That prospect is brighter than it was.

The Economist

Is this better than it was?

Independent

It looked thicker than it was".

The New York Times

It was bloodier than it was serious.

The New Yorker

It's way better than it was.

Cornell University

"It's worse than it was".

The New York Times - Sports

Morale is higher than it was a year ago.

The Economist

Far more than it was even two years ago".

The New York Times

The Taliban is bolder than it was.

The New York Times

It becomes even more than it was.

The New York Times - Books

It's no less now than it was.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "than it was", ensure the comparison is clear and that the reference point in the past is well-defined. For example, specify the year, event, or condition being compared.

Common error

Avoid using "than it was" without specifying what "it" refers to or the time frame being compared. This can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "than it was" functions as a comparative element within a sentence, indicating a difference between a present condition and a past one. It relies on context for a complete understanding, and as Ludwig AI confirms, is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

11%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "than it was" is a grammatically correct and very common comparative phrase used to highlight differences between a current state and a past one. As Ludwig AI validates, it is widely accepted and usable in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, specifying the timeframe and reference point enhances clarity. When using this phrase, ensure the comparison is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "compared to before" or "in contrast to its former state" can offer alternative ways to express similar comparisons. This detailed analysis aims to provide comprehensive guidance on the effective and accurate usage of the phrase "than it was".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compared with what it once was

Uses "compared with" to indicate a difference from a former state.

compared to before

Replaces "than it was" with a prepositional phrase indicating a comparison to a prior state.

unlike how it used to be

Employs "unlike" to point out the contrast with a previous situation.

as opposed to previously

Uses "as opposed to" to highlight the difference from a past condition.

differing from the past

Highlights the difference between the current state and the past.

in contrast to its former state

Emphasizes the change from a previous condition using more formal language.

in comparison with its earlier form

Uses "in comparison with" to denote a difference from a past version.

as against what it had been

Uses a more formal tone to indicate a change from a prior condition.

relative to its previous condition

Employs "relative to" to show a comparison with a past state.

measured against its past

Suggests a comparison with a state that existed in the past.

FAQs

How can I use "than it was" in a sentence?

Use "than it was" to compare a current state to a past state, such as: "The economy is more stable "than it was" a decade ago."

What are some alternatives to using "than it was"?

You can use phrases like "compared to before", "as opposed to previously", or "in contrast to its former state" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the time frame when using "than it was"?

While not always required, specifying the time frame (e.g., "than it was last year", "than it was in 2020") improves clarity and avoids ambiguity in your comparison.

What's the difference between "than it is" and "than it was"?

"Than it is" compares the current state of two different things, while "than it was" compares the current state of something to its own previous state.